Carafe with self-sealing spout

ABSTRACT

A receptacle for storing and dispensing liquids comprising a disposable plastic cup and a disposable plastic lid releasably secured over a top of the cup. A flat flexible and resilient flap extends forward from the lid to engage an upper edge of and normally seal a spout extending from the cup. The flap is adapted to automatically lift from the spout as the cup is tipped and liquid presses thereagainst for dispensing from the receptacle through the spout.

United States Patent [191 Borin [4 1 June 18, 1974 [54] CARAFE WITHSELF-SEALING SPOUT [76] Inventor: Harlan F. Borin, 1326 Yellowstone Dr.,Lake Arrowhead, Calif. 92321 22 Filed: Apr.24, 1972 21 Appl. No.:246,573

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,467,254 9/1923 Tarbet Q.292/2566 X 1,872,771 8/1932 Little l 222/572 X 2,136.123 11/1938 Baron ll 222/517 2,161,230 6/1939 Nelson l 222/494 X 2,254,164 8/1941 Bernhardt222/468 X 2,459,073 l/l949 Hamilton 222/572 X 2,993,629 7/1961 Ruhnke222/570 X 3,208,620 9/1965 Herdering 220/60 X 3,325,044 6/1967McCutcheon 220/60 Primary ExaminerR0bert B. Reeves AssistantExaminerJoseph J. Rolla Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Harris, Kern, Wallen &

Tinsley ABSTRACT A receptacle for storing and dispensing liquidscomprising a disposable plastic cup and a disposable plastic lidreleasably secured over a top of the cup. A fiat flexible and resilientflap extends forward from the lid to engage an upper edge of andnormally seal a spout extending from the cup. The flap is adapted toautomatically lift from the spout as the cup is tipped and liquidpresses thereagainst for dispensing from the receptacle through thespout.

13 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures aamman PATENTEDM 18 I974 SHEU 2W 4PATENTEUJUMB m4 3317mm sum 3 or 4 1 CARAFE WITH SELF-SEALING SPOUT Thepresent invention relates to receptacles for storing and dispensingliquid and, more particularly, to a receptacle specially adapted for useby hospitals and other institutions. i

In most hospitalstoday, there exists certain general requirementsconcerning liquid receptacles used by patients. For example, suchreceptacles must be sterile upon initial use by each different patientand should be scalable against entry of contaminants. Further, suchreceptacles should be insulated against heat loss and should be of asize and shape which can be easily handled even by bedridden patients.

Presently, such receptacles take the form of metal and heavy plasticcarafes. Because of their relatively high cost of manufacture, suchreceptacles pose a significant expense to hospitals at time of purchase.Unfortunately, the cost associated with such receptacles are of acontinuing nature since they require sterilization after each use by adifferent patient. Sterilization is a time-consuming and thereforerelatively expensive procedure for hospitals.

Further, the metal and heavy plastic receptacles now in use by mosthospitals have a separate cap. The cap closes the top of the receptaclewhen not in use and must be removed prior to pouring of liquid from thereceptacle. During that time, contaminants may enter the receptacle.Also, because such caps are often seated within the top of thereceptacles, their removal can be a difficult and awkward taskparticularly for bedridden patients. Because of the weight and size ofsuch receptacles, the same is often true of lifting and pouring ofliquids therefrom.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a receptacle having a liquidcontaining cup and lid which are soinexpensive that they may be thrown away after use and replaced at acost less than that required to sterilize present-day receptacles forhospital use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a receptacle ofthe foregoing character which is sturdy yet lightweight and easy tohandle even by bedridden patients.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a receptaclewhich is closed at all times against entry of contaminants. I

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a receptacleof the foregoing character which is closed by a lid having a flexibleand resilient flap hinged thereto for normally sealing a spout of thereceptacle to prevent entry of contaminants and for automaticallylifting from the spout as liquid flows thereagainst to permit dispensingof liquid from the receptacle.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide areceptacle for storing and dispensing liquids comprising a disposableplastic cup, a'reusable handlecarrying ringfor releasably receiving thecup and a disposable plastic lid releasably secured to the ring over thetop of the cup and having a flexible and resilient flap extendingtherefrom for normally engaging the upper edge of and sealing a spoutextending from the cup and for automatically lifting from the spout asthe cup is tipped and liquid presses thereagainst for dispensing fromthe receptacle through the spout. I

Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be moreclearly understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen considered with the drawings, which, by way of example only, depictvarious receptacles including the features of the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top view of one form of receptacle of the present inventionwith a portion of a lid removed to expose the interior of the cup andspout of the receptacle;

FIG. 2 is a sectional side view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 taken alongthe line 22 showing the manner in which the lid seals the top of the cupand spout;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 33 in FIG.2, showing the manner in which the lid snaps onto the handle-carryingring of the receptacle;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of the front portion of the receptacleshowing the automatic lifting of the lid flap from the spout as the cupis tipped to dispense liquid therefrom;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary top view of a rear portion of a receptacle witha portion of the lid removed to expose an air vent in the cup;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional side view taken along the line 66 inFIG. 5, showing the air vent;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are alternate forms of lids useful in the receptacle ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an upper portion of an alternate form ofreceptacle including upright hook members extending from the ring forsecuring the lid to the cup;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the receptacle of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line llll inFIG. 10, showing the manner in which the hook members engage the top ofthe lid to secure the lid to the cup;

FIG. 12 is a front view of the upper portion of another embodiment ofthe present invention including a strap hinged to the ring and extendingover and secur ing the lid to the cup;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the upper portion of still another embodimentof the invention including a strap extending from the lid under thespout supporting portion of the ring to assist in securing the lid tothe ring;

I FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional side view of a front portion of thereceptacle taken along the line 14-14 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary top view taken along the line 1515 in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a side view of another form of the present inventionincluding a disposable cup and lid, the lid having a strap extendingunder a spout of the cup to assist in securing the lid to the cup;

FIG. 17 is a sectional front view of the receptacle of FIG. 16 takenalong the line l7l7",

FIG. 18 is a sideview of an upper portion of a preferred form of thepresent invention including a handholdable disposable plastic cup and alid having a strap extending under a spout of the cup to assist insecuring the lid to the cup; and

FIG. 19 is an enlarged top view (turned of the receptacle of FIG. 18with portions broken away to expose the connection of the lid to thecup.

Generally speaking the receptacle of the present invention isrepresented by the numeral 10 and comprises a cup 14 having a spout 16.The top 18 of the cup is sealed by a lid while the spout is normallycovered by a flat, flexible, and resilient flap 22 extending from afront of a lid. In this regard, the flap 22 normally rests on an upperedge 24 of the spout to seal the spout and automatically lifts therefromas liquid in the cup presses thereagainst as during tipping of the cupto dispense liquid from the receptacle through the spout.

Preferably, the cup 14, and the lid 20 and the flap 22, comprisesingle-piece molded plastic articles. The cup is formed of a lightweightplastic material having good heat insulation characteristics such asSytrofoam while the lid 20 and flap 22 are ofa flexible and resilientthinwall construction. Because of their construction, the cup and lidmay be rapidly and inexpensively massproduced. In fact, their cost is solow that it is more economical for the lid and cup to be disposed ofafter use than sterilized for reuse.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the cup 14is characterized by diametrically opposite inward depressions 14a and14b equally spaced from the spout 16. The depressions extend upwardlyfrom a bottom of the cup to adjacent the top 18 and combine with acurved rear portion 140 of the cup to define a handle means. The handlemeans is shaped and dimensioned such that it may be readily grasped inone hand even by a bedridden patient thereby enabling the patient toeasily pick up the cup 14 and pour liquid therefrom. In this regard, thedepressions 14a and 14b and the rear portion 14c are dimensioned suchthat in grasping the handle means, the patients thumb fits into one ofthe depressions while his fingers on the same hand fit into the otherdepression.

In the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1-15, the receptacleincludes a handle-carrying ring 12 for securely supporting and liftingthe cup 14 during the dispensing of liquids. In this regard, a handle 25extends from the ring and is designed for easy gripping, therebyrendering the receptacle easy to lift and hold even by bedriddenhospital patients. Preferably, the handle-carrying ring 12 is reusableand is formed of a sturdy plastic material.

More particularly, and referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.1 through 6, the cup 14, in addition to the open top 18, includes aclosed bottom 26 having an annular foot or base 28. The base is adaptedto rest firmly on a flat table top, tray, or the like and to support thecup in an upright position with its sidewall 30 extending upwardly andoutwardly from the bottom at an angle of about 7 from the vertical. Suchangulation of the sidewall 30 permits a plurality of like cups to becompactly stacked with the bottom of all but the lowermost cup nestingsecurely within a top portion of an immediately adjacent cup.

Adjacent the open top 18, the sidewall 30 of the cup 14 includes anoutward step 32 to a vertical annular sidewall portion 34 terminating ina lip 36. The lip 36 includes the flat upper edge 38 of the cup 14 andextends between points adjacent opposite sides of the spout 16. Withregard to the latter, the spout 16 is preferably located in an arcuateforward edge region of the cup 14. In that region, an upper portion ofthe annular sidewall 34 flares outwardly at an angle of about 30 to thehorizontal. Further, as most clearly illustrated in FIG. 1, the upperedge 24 of the spout l6 follows a curve having a radius less than theradius of the top 18 of the cup to intersect the upper edge 38 at pointsslightly forward of opposite inwardly curved ends 40 and 42 of the lip36. Thus formed, the spout includes an upwardly facing open end and asubstantially straight upper edge preferably continuous with the upperedge of the cup 14.

As illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3, the annular sidewallportion 34 of the cup 14 is adapted to tightly receive thehandle-carrying ring 12 such that the cup may be lifted, tipped, andotherwise maneuvered by gripping the handle 25. In'this regard, the ring12 is an annular thin-walled member having an inner diametersubstantially equal to the outer diameter of the annular sidewallportion 34. A lip 44 extends outwardly from the ring 12 and includes anupper edge 46 thereof. The lip 44 closely follows the contour and curveof the lip 36 of the cup 14, including the inwardly curved ends and 42.Thus, the upper edge of the lip 44 is adapted to engage and pressupwardly on the lower surface of the lip 36. Further, between the endsof the lip 44,'an upper arcuate portion 48 of the ring flares outwardlyat an angle of about 30 to follow the curve and contour of the lowersurface of the spout 16. Thus, the ring 12 provides full support for andtransmits uniform upwardly forces from the handle 25 to the cup 14 andspout 16 during lifting and pouring of liquids. In this regard, thehandle 25 extends outwardly from the ring 12 in a region opposite thearcuate region 48 andbends downwardly along side an upper portion of thecup for easy hand gripping.

As previously indicated, the open top 18 of the cup 14 and spout 16 arecovered by the lid 20 and flap 22. The lid and flap are designed toprevent entry of con taminants both while liquid is stored in and duringdispensing of'liquids from the cup 14. To accomplish this, the lid 20and flap 22 have an outer contour following generally the shape of thetop of the cup 14 and spout 16. In addition, cooperative means areincluded on the lid and the cup for releasably securing the lid over theopen top of the cup and the flap is constructed to normally seal thespout and to automatically rise from and lower thereto during andfollowing the dispensing of liquid from the cup.

As to the cooperative means, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through8, a flange 50 extends downwardly from an outer edge of the lid 20 andincludes an inwardly extending bead 52 at a lower end thereof. The innerdiameter of the flange 50 is substantially equal to the outer diameterof the lip 36 and the height of the flange 50 is just sufficient toallow the bead 52 to snap and lock under the lip 44 and bear against anouter surface of the ring. In this manner, the flange and beadreleasably lock the lid over the top of the cup. In addition, oppositeends 54 and 56 of the flange 50 bend inwardly to grip the curved ends ofthe lips 36 and 44 (such as 40 and 42) to insure a fluid-tight sealbetween the cup and lid at opposite ends of a connecting region 58between the flap 22 and the lid.

Preferably, the connecting region 58 is a substantially straight line orconnecting strip between the lid and flap and in the embodiment of FIGS.l-6, extends between junctions of the upper edge 38 of the cup and theupper edge 24 of the spout. By junctions is meant the general areabetween the point where the curved outside of the edge 24 joins thecurve outside of the upper edge 38 and the inwardly curved ends 40 and42 of the lip 36.

In addition to being the connecting region between the lid 20 and flap22, 58 also represents a hinge means therebetween, that is, the line orstrip along which the flap 22 swings in raising and lowering from and tothe upper edge 24 of the spout 16. When the lid and flap are formed of asingle piece of normally flat plastic, the line or strip is onlynoticeable when the flap is raised from the spout. However, in theembodiment of FIGS. l-6, there is a molded bend at the connection of theflap and lid and the line is detectable both when the flap lies on thespout and is raised therefrom.

With regard to the structure of the flap 22 illustrated in FIGS. l-6,during molding, the flap is formed at a downward angle of about 5 fromthe top of the lid. Because of this, the flap moves up and downindependent of the lid about the hinge line 58. Also, when the flap ismounted with the lid on top of the cup 14, the flap in engaging theupper edge 24 of the spout is urged upwardly from its normal position.This means that the flap continuously exerts a downward force toward theupper edge 24. When theflap 22 is on the upper edge 24, the forceproduces a fluidtight seal between the flap and edge to prevent entry ofcontaminants. As the flap 22 is raised from the upper edge 24 inresponse to liquid pressing upon the bottom of the flap, as duringtipping of the cup 14 in the direction of the spout 16, the flapcontinues to exert the downward force and effectively floats on the topof the stream of liquid dispensed from the spout. Because the flap rideson the liquid stream, it prevents entry of contaminants into the cupduring the dispensing of liquid therefrom. Then, as the cup is returnedto its upright position, the flap 22 automatically lowers to the upperedge 24 in response to the downward force to again seal the spout 16.Thus, the lid and flap continuously prevent contaminants from enteringthe cup and together with the cooperative means provide means forreleasably sealing the cup and spout. I I

So complete is the fluidtight seal between the flap and the spout andbetween the lid and the cup that a vent to atmosphere is required forefficient pouring of liquid from the cup. The vent is illustrated mostclearly in FIGS. 5 and 6 and comprises connecting slots 60 and 62. Theslot 60 lies in the upper edge 38 of the cup 14 while the slot 62extends downwardly in the outside of the vertical sidewall portion 34.Such an arrangement permits air at atmospheric pressure to displaceliquid as it is poured from the cup 14 through the spout 16 duringoperation of the receptacle 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid 20 carries a tab 64 extendingover a top of the handle 25. The tab is designed to assist in connectingand disconnecting the lid and flap to and from the top of the cup. Inthis regard,

after inserting the cup into the ring 12, the user of the receptacle lfits the lid 20 over the top of the cup and while pulling on the tab 64snaps the flange 50 downward over the outer edge of the lips 36 and 44with the inwardly curved ends 54 and S sealed against the curved ends 40and 42 of the lip 36. In this position, the lid and flap securely sealthe open top of the cup 14 and spout 16. Then, when it is desired eitherto remove the lid or to raise a rear portion thereof to insert liquid orice or both, the user of the receptacle pulls rearwardly and upwardly onthe tab to unsnap a rear portion of the flange 50 and expose theinterior of the cup 14. The desired materials then may be deposited intothe cup and the cup resealed by lowering the rear portion of the lid andresnapping the flange 50 over the rear portions of the lips 36 and 44.

Alternate forms of lids for use in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1through 6 are depicted in FIGS. 7 and 8. Portions of the lidscorresponding to those illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 bear likereference numerals in FIGS. 7 and 8 with an accompanying a and b,respectively. The principal difference between the lids of FIGS. 7 and 8and those depicted in FIGS. 1 through 6 in the form of the hinge means58. In FIG. 7, the hinge means 58a comprises a groove in the top of thelid 200. In FIG. 8, the hinge means 58b comprises a bead along the topof the lid 20b. Such hinge means provide a definite separation betweenthe lid and flap and enable the flap to move up and down independent ofthe lid to open and close the spout. In both cases, the flaps 22a and22b are formed during molding to bend downwardly at about a 5 angle fromthe horizontal top of the associated lid. Thus, the flaps function inconjunction with the lids in the same manner as described in connectionwith FIGS. 1 through 6.

An alternate form of the receptacle 10 is depicted in FIGS. 9, l0, and11. But for the cooperative means on the lid and ring for releasablyholding the lid on the cup, the receptacle 10 is the same as the cuppreviously described in connection with FIGS. 1 through 6. Accordingly,corresponding components and elements in the receptacle shown in FIGS. 9through 11 bear the same reference numerals as previously employed indescribing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 6 and a detaileddescription thereof will not be repeated.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11, the cooperative means comprises a pairof inwardly facing hook means 66 and 68 and a pair of ears 70 and 72extending outwardly from the lid 20 to mate with the hook means 66 and68, respectively. The hook means are located immediately adjacentopposite ends of the lip 44 and each includes a vertical arm 74projecting outwardly and up-- wardly from the ring 12 to a finger 76extending inwardly-from the arm to define a hook. The cars 70 and 72 fittightly under the fingers 76 with straight edges 78 and steps 80 buttingagainst the inner faces and rear edges of the vertical arms 70 to holdthe lid 20 down on the top of the cupv 14.

To assist the cooperative means, annular flange 82 extends from thebottom of the lid 20 and is dimensioned to fit tightly within the opentop 18 of the cup 14. Thus, to mount the lid 20 on the cup 14 in FIGS.9-1 1, one simply slides the lid forward to fit the ears 70 and 72securely in the hook means 66 and 68 and then presses down on the lid toseat the flange 82 in the top of the cup. I

Still another form of the receptacle 10 is depicted in FIG. '12. Theembodiment of FIG. 12 resembles that just described in connection withFIGS. 941 except for the cooperative means which includes a strap orlocking bar 84. The strap 84is hinged at 86 to one edge of the ring 12for raising and lowering above the top of the lid 20. An opposite end ofthe strip 84 includes an opening for receiving a button 88 extendingfrom a bracket 90 secured to a side of the ring opposite the hinge 86.Thus, to secure the lid 20 to the top of the Another form of thereceptacle 10 is depicted in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15. But for thecooperative means for releasably holding the lid on the cup, thereceptacle is substantially the same as previously described inconnection with FIGS. 1 through 6. Accordingly, corresponding componentsand elements of the receptacle shown in FIGS. 13 through bear the samereference numbers as previously employed in describing the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 through 6, and a detailed description thereof will not berepeated.

With regard to the cup 14 illsutrated in FIGS. 13 through 15, it is thesame as the cup shown in FIG. 1 and 2 except that the lip 36 extends andblends into the spout 16 rather than terminating in curved ends 40 and42. Likewise, the flange 50 of the lid rather than terminating in curvedends 54 and 56 continues on the same radius of curvature to adjacentopposite ends of the upper arcuate portion of 48 of the ring, that isthe spout supporting portion of the ring. There, the flange 50 stepsdownwardly to define-a curved strap 92 bearing tightly on the outside ofthe ring 12 and extending under the arcuate portion 48. In this regard,the curve of the strap 92 is substantially the same as the curvature ofthe flange 50.

Thus, in assembling the receptacle 10 illustrated in FIGS. 13 15, thecup 14 is first inserted into the ring 12. The user of the receptaclethen introduces the spout 12 and arcuate region 48 of the ring 12between the flat 22 and strap 92. Then, while pulling back on the tab 64(not shown in FIGS. 13 15), the user snaps the flange 50 with its bead52 downward over the outer edge of the lips 36 and 44 on the cup andring to seal the open top of the cup 14 and the spout 16. In thisregard, the strap 92 acts to firmly anchor the lid 20 to the top of thecup 14 at the ends of the spout 16 to insure against water leakage fromthe ends of the spout.

Still another form of the receptacle 10 is depicted in FIGS. 16 and 17.But for the previously described depressions 14a and 14b, the cup 14included in the receptacle 10 of FIGS. 16 and 17 is the same asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 13 through 15. As previously stated,the depressions 14a and 14b combine with the curved rear portion 14c ofthe cup to define a handle means for the receptacle. Thus, thereceptacle illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 does not utilize the handlecarrying ring 12 illustrated in the other embodiments of the invention.

The lid 20 and flap 22 of the receptacle 10 shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 areas illustrated in FIGS. 13- 15 as is the cooperative means for securingthe lid to the cup. That is, the cooperative means includes the flange50 extending down from an outer edge of the lid 20 and having a bead 52extending inwardly from the lower edge of the flange between junctionsof the strap 92 and the main portion of the flange. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 16 and 17, the height of the flange 50 is just sufficient to allowthe bead 52 to snap and lock under the lip 36 of the cup and to bearagainst an outer surface of the cup. Further, a strap 92 is dimensionedsuch that an upper edge thereof bears on a lower surface of the spout16, while an inner surface thereof bears tightly against the side wallof the cup under the spout. Thus, to assemble the receptacle 10illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, the user simply inserts the spout 16between the strap 92 and the flap 22. He then pulls rearwardly and thendownwardly on the lid 20 to allow the flange 50 to fit over the outeredge of the lip 36 and the bead 52 to snap thereunder. This creates anairtight seal for the lip and flap to the cup as previously described.

A preferred form of the receptacle 10 is depicted in 7 FIGS. 18 and 19.As illustrated, the receptacle resembles that described in connectionwith FIGS. 16 and 17 in that the cup 14 includes side depressions 14aand 14b which combine with the curved rear portion 14c of the cup todefine a handle means for the receptacle. Further, the cooperative meansincludes the flanges 50, the lip 36, and the strap 92 which extends fromforward ends of the flange under the spout 16 to assist in releasablysecuring the lid to the cup. However. important differences reside inthe shape of the lip 36 opposite the spout 16 and in the configurationof the bead 52 for snapping under the lip 36.

In particular, the lip 36 includes an arcuate extension 36adiametrically opposite the spout 16. The radius of curvature of theextension 36a is greater than the radius curvatureof the cup and lip36'to define generally triangular ear-shaped corner portions on oppositesides of a vertical plane bisecting the spout and cup. In this regard,the arcuate extension terminates at edges 36c tangential to the lip 36and extending at about .a 30 angle to the vertical bisecting plane.

Thus shaped, the extension 36a combines with the spout 16 to define apreferred means for accurately locating the lid 20 on top of the cup 14.In this respect, the lid 20 includes an extension 20a matching theextension 36a and the flange extends between opposite ends of the strap92 downwardly from an outer marginal edge of the lid to tightly engagethe outer surface of the lip 36 and extension 36a. More particularly, toproperly locate the lid on the cup, one inserts the spout 16 between thestrap 92 and the flap 22 and pulls rearwardly and then downwardly on thetab 64. This causes the flange 50 adjacent the strap 92 to fit over theouter edge of the lip 36 on opposite sides of the spout and the bead 52to snap thereunder. As the lid is drawn rearwardly and downwardly, thecorners defined by the extension 20a mate with and fit over the likecorners defined by the extension 36a to properly locate the lid on thecup with the flange 50 tightly engaging the entire outer edge of the lip36 between opposite ends of the spout 16.

It is important to note in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 thatthe bead 52 does not extend along the entire length of the inner surfaceof the flange 50. Rather, there are two beads 52 and 52' starting atjunctions of the flange 50 and the strap 92. From the junctions, thebeads become progressively narrower until they terminate at pointsmidway between the ends of the strap 92 and the sides of the extension20a. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 18 and 19, the beads 52 and 52'snap under the lip 36 only in the forward regions of the cup 14. Thiscreates a fluidtight seal at a forward portion of the receptacle whichprevents undesired liquid leakage from the receptacle during pouringoperations. Yet, at the rear portion of the receptacle, air is able toleak between the flange 50 and the outside of the lip 36 and extension36a to displace the liquid being poured from the receptacle. Therefore,in the preferred embodiment of the receptacle no specially designed airvent is required.

Further, the absence of the bead 52 at the rear of the receptacle makesfor easier attaching and partial removal and removal of the lid 20 fromthe cup 14. For example, when it is desired to refill the receptacle orto add ice thereto, one simply lifts upward on the tab 64 raising therear of the lid from the top of the cup. To reseal the top of the cup,the tab and lid are simply lowered. No undesired strain is placed on themarginal edgesof the lip 36 during such operations as would be caused bya bead unsnapping and resnapping under the lip. This is particularlyimportant when the cup is formed of a foam-like plastic material such asStyrofoam which would tend to break upon repeated snapping andunsnapping of such a bead under the lip 36.

7 Further, the absence of the bead 52 in the rear region of the lidmakes for easier complete removal of the lid from the cup. ln thisregard, the lifting on the tab 64 raises the rear portion of the lid andstarts the release of the beads 52 and 52' from the under the lip 36.Because of the tapered nature of the beads, the release progresses in asmooth manner to exert a minimum strain on the forward portion of thelip 36 during removal of the lid from the cup.

While particular forms of receptacles have been described in some detailherein, changes and modifica tions may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that theinvention be limited in scope only by the terms of the following claims.

I claim: I

l. A receptacle for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising: i

a cup having a vertically extending sidewall, an open top and a spoutextending outwardly from said sidewall adjacent said open top andincluding an upwardly facing open end having a substantially straightupper edge; and

closure means including a single piece of plastic material defining aflat lid for covering said open top of said cup and flat flexible andresilient flap means continuous with and extending outwardly andforwardly from a front of said lid along a line between junctions ofsaid upper edge of said spout and said cup for bearing on said upperedge to seal said spout and for lifting from said upper edge as liquidpresses thereagainst with a tipping of said cup to permit dispensing ofliquid through said spout, and

cooperative means on said lid and cup for releasably holding said lid onsaid cup.

2. The receptacle of claim 1 wherein said flap normally bends downwardfrom said lid along said line to bear on said upper edge of and sealsaid spout.

3. The receptacle of claim 2 wherein said closure means includes hingemeans along said connecting line between said flap and said lid forenabling said flap to move up and down independent of said lid to openand close said spout.

4. The receptacle of 1 wherein:

said cup includes flange means on opposite sides of said spout andextending outwardly from said cup adjacent said open top; and

said receptacle further includes handle means on said cup forhand-lifting said receptacle to dispense liquids therefrom through saidspout, said handle means comprising a ring for releasably receiving saidcup and bearing upwardly against said flange with a handle extendingfrom said ring opposite said spout, a forward portion of said ringopposite said handle being shaped at its upper edge to receive saidspout, and

a pair of inwardly facing hook means projecting upward from said ringimmediately adjacent opposite ends of said forward portion for tightlyreceiving outer marginal edge portions of said lid and holding said lidon said cup.

5. The receptacle of claim 4 wherein said outer marginal portions ofsaid lid follow an inner contour of said hooks means and said lidincludes a downwardly projecting flange for bearing against an innersurface of said cup adjacent said open top,

6. The receptacle of claim 1 wherein:

said cup includes flange means on opposite sides of said spout andextending outwardly from said cup adjacent said open top;

said receptacle further includes handle means on said cup forhand-lifting said receptacle to dispense liquid therefrom through saidspout, said handle means comprising a ring for releasably receiving saidcup and bearing upwardly against said flange means with a handleextending from said ring opposite said spout; and

said cooperative means comprises a strap hinged at one end to said ringand extending over a top of said lid for releasable connection to saidring.

7.-The receptacle of claim 1 further comprising: handle means forhand-lifting said cup including a ring for releasably receiving said cupwith a handle extending from said ring opposite said spout; lip meansprojecting outwardly from said receptacle and including a first lip onand projecting from said cup with a lower edge bearing on an upper edgeof said ring and a second lip on and projecting from said ring belowsaid first lip; and flange means in said cooperative means and extendingdownwardly from a lower surface of said lid to snap over said lip meansand under said second lip to secure together said lid, cup and ring. 8.The receptacle of claim 7 wherein said flange means commences justforward of said line connecting said flap to said lid, curves inwardlyover forward ends of said lip means, and closely follows the contour ofsaid lip means rearwardly toward said handle to create a fluid-tightseal for said lid on said cup'.

9. The receptacle of claim 7 wherein said cooperative means furthercomprises a strap extending from said flange means on opposite side ofsaid spout and following an outer surface of said ring under said spoutto assist in releasably securing said lip to said cup.

10. A receptacle for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising:

a cup having a vertically extending sidewall, an open top and a spoutextending outwardly from said sidewall adjacent said open top andincluding an upwardly facing open end having a substantially straightupper edge; and closure means including a flat lid for covering saidopen top of said cup,. flat flexible and resilient flap means continuouswith and extending outwardly. from said lid for bearing on said upperedge to seal said spout and for lifting from said upper edge as liquidpresses thereagainst with a tipping of said cup to permit dispensing ofliquid through said spout, and

cooperative means on said lid and cup for releasably holding said lid onsaid cup including a lip projecting outwardly from and including anupper edge of said cup and extending between opposite ends of saidspout.

flange means extending downwardly from a lower surface of said lid tosnap over said lip, and

strap means extending downwardly from said lid at opposite sides of saidspout and under said spout to assist in securing said lid to said cup11. The receptacle of claim wherein said flange means extends betweenopposite ends of said strap means and follows the contour of an outersurface of said lip and wherein said receptacle further includes beadson said flange means for snapping under said lip to releasably securesaid lid to said cup, said beads commencing adjacent said opposite endsof said strap means and being of a narrowing width terminating alongopposite sides of said lid.

12. The receptacle of claim 11 wherein said lip includes an extensionopposite said spout and wherein edge surface against which said flangemeans may bear. =l

1. A receptacle for storing and dispensing liquids, comprising: a cuphaving a vertically extending sidewall, an open top and a spoutextending outwardly from said sidewall adjacent said open top andincluding an upwardly facing open end having a substantially straightupper edge; and closure means including a single piece of plasticmaterial defining a flat lid for covering said open top of said cup andflat flexible and resilient flap means continuous with and extendingoutwardly and forwardly from a front of said lid along a line betweenjunctions of said upper edge of said spout and said cup for bearing onsaid upper edge to seal said spout and for lifting from said upper edgeas liquid presses thereagainst with a tipping of said cup to permitdispensing of liquid through said spout, and cooperative means on saidlid and cup for releasably holding said lid on said cup.
 2. Thereceptacle of claim 1 wherein said flap normally bends downward fromsaid lid along said line to bear on said upper edge of and seal saidspout.
 3. The receptacle of claim 2 wherein said closure means includeshinge means along said connecting line between said flap and said lidfor enabling said flap to move up and down independent of said lid toopen and close said spout.
 4. The receptacle of 1 wherein: said cupincludes flange means on opposite sides of said spout and extendingoutwardly from said cup adjacent said open top; and said receptaclefurther includes handle means on said cup for hand-lifting saidreceptacle to dispense liquids therefrom through said spout, said handlemeans comprising a ring for releasably receiving said cup and bearingupwardly against said flange with a handle extending from said ringopposite said spout, a forward portion of said ring opposite said handlebeing shaped at its upper edge to receive said spout, and a pair ofinwardly facing hook means projecting upward from said ring immediatelyadjacent opposite ends of said forward portion for tightly receivingouter marginal edge portions of said lid and holding said lid on saidcup.
 5. The receptacle of claim 4 wherein said outer marginal portionsof said lid follow an inner contour of said hooks means and said lidincludes a downwardly projecting flange for bearing against an innersurface of said cup adjacent said open top.
 6. The receptacle of claim 1wherein: said cup includes flange means on opposite sides of said spoutand extending outwardly from said cup adjacent said open top; saidreceptacle further includes handle means on said cup for hand-liftingsaid receptacle to dispense liquid therefrom through said spout, saidhandle means comprising a ring for releasably receiving said cup andbearing upwardly against said flange means with a handle extending fromsaid ring opposite said spout; and said cooperative means comprises astrap hinged at one end to said ring and extending over a top of saidlid for releasable connection to said ring.
 7. The receptacle of claim 1further comprising: handle means for hand-lifting said cup including aring for releasably receiving said cup with a handle extending from saidring opposite said spout; lip means projecting outwardly from saidreceptacle and including a first lip on and projecting from said cupwith a lower edge bearing on an upper edge of said ring and a second lipon and projecting from said ring below said first lip; and flange meansin said cooperative means and extending downwardly from a lower surfaceof said lid to snap over said lip means and under said second lip tosecure together said lid, cup and ring.
 8. The receptacle of claim 7wherein said flange means commences just forward of said line connectingsaid flap to said lid, curves inwardly over forward ends of said lipmeans, and closely follows the contour of said lip means rearwardlytoward said handle to create a fluid-tight seal for said lid on saidcup.
 9. The receptacle of claim 7 wherein said cooperative means furthercomprises a strap extending from said flange means on opposite side ofsaid spout and following an outer surface of said ring under said spoutto assist in releasably securing said lip to said cup.
 10. A receptaclefor storing and dispensing liquids, comprising: a cup having avertically extending sidewall, an open top and a spout extendingoutwardly from said sidewall adjacent said open top and including anupwardly facing open end having a substantially straight upper edge; andclosure means including a flat lid for covering said open top of saidcup, flat flexible and resilient flap means continuous with andextending outwardly from said lid for bearing on said upper edge to sealsaid spout and for lifting from said upper edge as liquid pressesthereagainst with a tipping of said cup to permit dispensing of liquidthrough said spout, and cooperative means on said lid and cup forreleasably holding said lid on said cup including a lip projectingoutwardly from and including an upper edge of said cup and extendingbetween opposite ends of said spout. flange means extending downwardlyfrom a lower surface of said lid to snap over said lip, and strap meansextending downwardly from said lid at opposite sides of sAid spout andunder said spout to assist in securing said lid to said cup.
 11. Thereceptacle of claim 10 wherein said flange means extends betweenopposite ends of said strap means and follows the contour of an outersurface of said lip and wherein said receptacle further includes beadson said flange means for snapping under said lip to releasably securesaid lid to said cup, said beads commencing adjacent said opposite endsof said strap means and being of a narrowing width terminating alongopposite sides of said lid.
 12. The receptacle of claim 11 wherein saidlip includes an extension opposite said spout and wherein said lidincludes a like extension, said extension mating with each other whensaid lid is in a proper position on said cup to seal said open topthereof.
 13. The receptacle of claim 12 wherein said extension on saidlip is an arcuate extension diametrically opposite said spout and havinga radius of curvature greater than that of said cup to define a smoothouter edge surface against which said flange means may bear.